Winter can always use some brightening up . Especially if , like me , you spend much of the season indoors , unbend and catching up on yourgardening interpretation .
A cheery houseplant ( or three ) might be just the companion you need for your wintertime rejuvenation . And many houseplants will last for eld if you furnish them with the proper care .
We link to vendors to help you get relevant product . If you corrupt from one of our links , we may earn a delegation .
Ti plants growing in Hawaii
Whether your style is Ne - light - bright or understated splashing of pastel , there are plants available in all shapes and sizes to brighten up your winter .
I ’ve whittle down a list of 23 of my favorite houseplants that tote up a splash of color – and I bet you ’ll find just the one to warm up up your domicile through the cold months .
23 Favorite Colorful Houseplants
Some of these may be conversant , while others may be fresh to you .
I ’ll in short introduce each of them and offer buying peak for some of my favorite varieties , and provide some data on caring for each of these vivacious houseplant .
1. African Violet
I bet you ’re intimate with this old school houseplant . With its fuzzy leaves and dainty little flower , African reddish blue , Saintpaulia , is unassuming and mildly brightens up a home plate .
Purple is the usual blossom color for African violet ( hence the name ) , but along with this popular hue , their blooms also descend in white , and in many shades of blue and pink .
Maybe these heyday do n’t seem alien enough for you ? Perhaps it ’s clock time to reconsider .
Ti plants growing in Hawaii
These African natives are useable with peak that are double - blossom , fringed , or ruffled , and some cultivar have variegated leaves .
Their low - grow forms make them great houseplants for small spaces – just remember to irrigate them on a regular basis and provide them with bright , collateral sun .
African Violet
you’re able to find readiness of four various African violet plants in four - in potsavailable via Walmart .
see tips on farm and caring for African violets here .
2. Alocasia
go by many dissimilar common names , plants in theAlocasiagenus will certainly bring an air travel of drama to your living room .
Also known as kris plant , pitch-dark shell , elephant pinna , or African mask , this houseplant looks as arresting as a sculpture .
Alocasia ’s glossy fleeceable leaf have large bloodless vena on the topside , while the underside is a thick purple chromaticity . Alocasia can make a mythical focal point in a base with an eclectic decorate vibe .
Alocasia‘Black Velvet , ’ one of the varieties commonly sell as a houseplant , make one to two feet tall and panoptic . It involve bright , indirect light and only the top column inch of soil should be allowed to dry out out between watering .
Alocasia ‘ Black Velvet ’
These sweetheart are available as live flora in six - inch potsfrom Terrain .
Learn how to grow and care for alocasia in our template .
3. Anthurium
Also roll in the hay as flamingo flower , laceleaf , and anthurium , houseplants in theAnthuriumgenus offer a hopeful dab of color with their long - endure red or pink flowers .
Not only are anthurium flowers brightly colored , they are lustrous and nub shaped , and will certainly add to a romanticistic or glamorous decorating mode .
With its cherry and unripe colouring , this houseplant could make a pleasing accession to your holiday decorating scheme .
This plant will thrive in your household with medium to bright collateral light source , as long as you keep on top of tearing – it does not like to dry out . With proper care , anthurium will grow to one and a one-half feet tall and a understructure blanket .
‘ Tickled Pink ’
Live ‘ Tickled pinkish ’ anthurium plantsare available from Burpee .
Read more about grow anthurium plants here .
4. Arrowhead Vine
For those who prefer a more understated approach when it come to color , arrowhead vine ( Syngonium podophyllum ) offers a soft skin senses .
Also called arrowhead flora , this houseplant ’s leaves can be found in shade ranging from sluttish green to light pink , and could be combined nicely with the often shorter - live Christmas star line up at this metre of the yr .
Arrowhead vine will appreciate a warm , humid daub in your house , with bright , indirect sunlight .
As a vining works , as its name suggests , extend it a hanging field goal to trail from ora moss poleto grow on , as its vines can give up to six column inch long .
‘ Merry Maria ’
The ‘ Merry Maria ’ cultivar has glossy - green leave that start out out pink , and isavailable in six - inch pots from Home Depot .
record more about growing arrowhead plants here .
5. Bird of Paradise
If you ’re search for a bright , tropic flare-up of colour to invigorate up your DoI when it ’s cold outside , dame of paradise from theStrelitziagenus might be the houseplant for you .
Ataller houseplant , its flashy , nozzle - shape flowers in orange , yellow , and blue are held above its lush green foliation on long immature stems .
place near a sunny window with southern pic , bird of paradise could be used to create an indoor tropical feel .
Bird of paradise should be given direct sunshine during the cooler month , and undimmed , indirect Dominicus during the warmer months . Only earmark the top inch of the grime to dry out between waterings .
Orange Bird of Paradise
You ’ll see an orange bird of paradise works in a three - gallon potavailable for purchase at Fast Growing Trees .
take more about care for razzing of paradise set indoors here .
6. Calathea
Calatheas may be among the ornamental indoor plants you ’ve encounter before that virtue renewed attention .
Among the different species of theCalatheagenus , commonly name “ prayer plants , ” there are many varieties vaunt attractively model foliage .
Calathea leaves are geometrically patterned with stripes , splotches , spots , or shading in color that can admit dark and abstemious green with tinge of cherry , regal , or white .
Non - blooming evergreen plants like this are endearing on their own , or aggroup with other houseplants in complementary colors .
Called “ prayer plant ” because their leaves fold up at night , calatheas opt warm , humid environments .
Avoid verbatim sunshine , which will bleach their beautiful folio . Instead , provide them with collateral lightness , and remember to keep their grease moist but not swampy .
‘ Medallion ’
‘ medal ’ is a variety with leaves that count as though they have been created by a painter , and is usable in six - inch potsfrom Fast Growing Trees .
break outour guide to growing prayer plants to find out more .
7. Chinese Evergreen
Formosan evergreen , the mutual name for several mintage of theAglaonemagenus , is another fairly rough-cut houseplant in its immature and white form . But varieties with red foliage vein and margin will surprise you – and might just pink your wind cone off .
This is another light-green and blood-red houseplant that would be well - placed among your holiday interior decoration . Keep it around after the festivities are over , to take the edge off the post - holiday blues .
gain about one and a one-half foot marvelous and wide , Chinese evergreen will thrive in grim to vivid indirect light . It should not be earmark to dry out between lacrimation , but is overall a lowly sustenance houseplant .
‘ Hot Pink Valentine Wishes ’
‘ Hot Pink Valentine Wishes , ’ a pinkish miscellany with dappled green leaf margin and vein , is available in four - in potsfrom the American Plant Exchange via Amazon .
Read more about grow Chinese evergreen plant .
8. Christmas Cactus
Speaking of the holidays , do n’t leave about the bright blooms of Christmas cactus , penis of theSchlumbergeragenus . Those blooms can make out in a mixture of colors – white , garden pink , reds , purples , and even yellows .
A mid - sized decorative houseplant , Christmas cactus will provide a splash of vividness and texture on a desk or tabletop , orin a hanging basket . Christmas cacti are undemanding plants that will lighten up your spirit in the wintertime months .
Christmas cactus take bright , indirect light during its growing season and should be water when the top inch of grease is dry . To encourage blooming year after twelvemonth , a special subprogram of nerveless temperatures and long nights is involve .
you could learn more about this peak - coaxing routine as well as general care point for this succulent in ourChristmas cactus produce guidebook .
Christmas cacti are among the long aliveness houseplant , so when you choose yours , verify you pick a flower color you love .
Pink Christmas Cactus
you may bump plants in pink , yellow , cerise , or whiteavailable from Fast Growing Trees .
9. Coleus
You may be more familiar withcoleus ( Plectranthus scutellarioides)as anannual bedding plant , rather than a houseplant .
But this vivacious tropical evergreen plant work well indoors , where it can hold out for several years , and comes in a dizzying variety of people of color compounding and patterns .
It ’s a low maintenance houseplant , and can manage a range of collateral light situations , from low to bright . Coleus should not be allowed to dry out all , but make certain you do n’t overwater it either . Its grime should be damp but not waterlogged .
How about starting your coleus industrial plant from seed ?
The gorgeous , vivid impassioned - red leafage on this variety , enticingly called ‘ Inferno , ’ will land your habitation a spattering of color – and you ’ll have the pride of have it away you grew your plant from germ .
‘ Inferno ’
you’re able to find four - plant bundlesavailable from Burpee .
find out more about caring for flame nettle as an houseplant .
10. Croton
If you ’re seem for a houseplant that ’s as coloured as a tropical solemnization , croton ( Codiaeum variegatum ) will be just what you ’re look for .
Also call garden Croton tiglium , these houseplants extend bright streak foliage uncommitted in a mix of green , yellow , orange , and/or red .
If that ’s not enough colour for you , there are some rarer mixture that also include pinkish and imperial in the mixture . And the leaf add up in many different bod , so you ’re practically guarantee to find a folio shape and color combo that will walk out your fancy .
Unlike most of the other plants in this list , croton does well with some lineal sun , which will make for better leaf color .
Keep croton ’s soil moist but not soggy during the arise time of year . With right care , this beauty can grow up to six foot marvelous with a five - foot spread – so make certain you are quick to provide it with some way !
‘ Petra ’
The ‘ Petra ’ cultivar has wide foliage and the tropical hues that croton is known for . You ’ll encounter live plants of this variety in six - column inch or three - gallon potsavailable from Fast Growing Trees .
Andread our growing pathfinder to learn about how to care for croton plants .
11. Cyclamen
A appendage of the primrose family , cyclamen ( Cyclamenspecies ) is another compact choice that ’s ideal for modest distance . Cyclamen is loved for the lulu of both its foliage and its peak .
Cyclamens have upswept flowers view as on dainty stems above center - shaped foliage . These flower can be white , pinkish , red , or purple , and the heart - shaped leaf are often graced with silvery traffic pattern .
This wizard houseplant is another good choice for a small space – it will only grow to about nine inches magniloquent and wide , and will thrive in shiny , indirect sunlight .
Keep your cyclamen ’s soil moist – except during its dormant time of year in the summertime , when it should be watered less oftentimes .
Latinia ® Red
Pick up four - inch Latinia ® red Cyclamen purpurascens works in software system of two or fourfrom Home Depot .
Read more about growing and caring for cyclamen houseplant here .
12. Gerbera Daisy
When a unseasoned tyke take out a flower , prospect are the heyday will see something like the gerbera daisy ( Gerberaspecies ) .
genus Gerbera are commonly see in bouquets , but can also adorn your home as a live houseplant instead of a cut bloom .
The flowers of gerbera daisies will bring a summery cheer to your indoor infinite . They are uncommitted in almost every color of the rainbow and will uprise to about 18 inch high , making for a good tabletop plant .
Gerbera daisy need a few hours of direct sunshine every day but favor cooler temperatures . When stay fresh indoors , a vivid easterly window will be the best location for them . water system when the top inch of soil is dry .
‘ Garvinea Sweet Memories ’
‘ Garvinea Sweet Memories ’ is a multifariousness with pink bloom , available as a unrecorded flora from Burpee .
Find more tip on growing gerbera daisy here .
13. Kalanchoe
You may be familiar with the unripened - leave variety of kalanchoe , a lush plant feature small white , blood-red , pink , orangish , yellow , or purple bloom .
However , some mixed bag of kalanchoe face highly strange , with patterned foliage and colourful plantlets rise on their leaf margin . There are many colorful varieties of this houseplant to tempt the botanically adventuresome .
And if you chance to be one of those adventuresome someone , kalanchoe may also interest you as a fun horticulture projection .
The plantlets that grow on the leaves of kalanchoes can be pass around easy . you’re able to learn more about propagating kalanchoe in our clause , propagating succulent in five well-heeled step . But keep in thinker that these plantlets are very tiny ! Gentle handling with tweezers can be helpful .
Flaming Katy
Flaming Katy , K. blossfeldiana , is uncommitted in a three - pack assortment of colors , including white , pinkish , yellow , and orangefrom Home Depot .
Find more bakshish on caring for plants in theKalanchoegenus here .
14. Nerve Plant
Appreciated for its hit leaf , nerve plant is also acknowledge as mosaic works or simply by its genus name , Fittonia .
While the webbed patterns that exalt fittonia ’s coarse name are not nerves but rather extremely contrasting leaf veins , this lineament is certainly what make brass plant attractive .
The leaves of fittonia are mesmerizing – foliation can be clear or dark immature with lily-white , red , or pinkish veins .
Fittonia willdo well in a terrariumas it boom in a humid environment .
A grouping of these bright - colored , gloomy - grow industrial plant nestle around a taller houseplant with striking flowers like tailflower would make a strong visual impact for a holiday display .
Fittonia prefers low to bright , indirect brightness , should be kept moist , and thrives with an additional source of humidness , such as a humidifier or obnubilate .
Or set the plant on a disc full of pebbles with water in it , to provide the moist condition these plants thrive on . Fittonia wilt easily but can usually be readily quicken by increase humidity or tearing .
Red - Veined Nerve Plant
If you ’re quick to try one of your own , you may buy a live crimson - vein spunk plantfrom Hirt ’s Houseplants via Amazon .
15. Orchid
Orchids , members of the Orchidaceae family , have an undeserved report for being difficult houseplant – plausibly because doting owners provide them with a niggling too much forethought .
With their gorgeous blossom , orchids can be a stunning part of your living decor .
Orchid flowers arrive in a blanket array of sizes and a dazzling spectrum of colors . you could receive orchidaceous plant peak in essentially any color you ’re looking for , admit delicate gabardine , brood Black , or showy pinks .
There are many different types of orchids , and their attention will motley . Be sure to front up your specific species so that you’re able to supply it with appropriate twinkle and piss .
As an add up bonus , many varieties of orchidaceous plant have blossoms that are not only beautiful , but alsodelightfully fragrant .
Purple Orchid
If you ’re in the market for an orchidaceous plant to add to your family decor , you’re able to find pinkish , over-embellished , Salmon River , white , and yellow varietiesavailable from Fast Growing Trees .
Read more about growing orchid here .
16. Poinsettia
Often care for as disposable vacation laurel wreath , poinsettias ( Euphorbia pulcherrima ) can be keep on as houseplants that will provide a annual display of bright color if pass on the veracious care .
Beyond the standard red , poinsettias can also be establish in hue such as lily-white , pink , purplish , orangish , yellow , or salmon . vary poinsettias offer even more choice .
The poinsettia ’s coloring come not from its flowers but from bracts – colorful , limited leaf .
To get your plant to bring forth these colorful leaves each yr , you ’ll have to let it go through a multi - calendar week full stop of rest with farseeing nights and coolheaded temperature , fall out by a pre - bloom time of year of burnished sun .
These plants originate in dry woods in Mexico and Guatamala , so they do n’t need as much water as many of the tropic houseplants that you may be familiar with . Remember to allow your poinsettias dry out a spot between waterings .
If your poinsettia comes with its commode wrapped in enhancer or plastic , remove this or pry holes in the bottom so it does n’t stand in weewee .
lay your poinsettia near a bright windowpane so it catch sight of indirect sunshine . And verify to keep it aside from draft – lobster plant favour steady , warm temperature between 65 to 75 ° F .
Poinsettias may be a moment fussy tokeep as long - full term houseplants , but their showy bract are deserving the trouble .
Red Poinsettia
you may find a ruddy Christmas star in a one - and - a - one-half - gal skunk wrapped in cosmetic gullible foilavailable from Home Depot .
Read more about growing and care for Christmas star plant here .
17. Polka Dot Plant
Polka dot plant ( Hypoestes phyllostachya ) is another one you ’ll love for its leafage . It has standardized colors and patterns to fittonia , but grows taller and has large leaf .
The brightly biased leaves of the polka dot plant are mottled blanched or pinkish with light-green veins . This houseplant would clear up up a recession or tot up texture when order in a grouping with some blossoming specimen .
It grow to one to two foundation marvellous with a one - metrical unit spread and favour high humidness . Do n’t let it dry out out entirely between tearing , but verify it does n’t fend in water either .
Regular misting will help it with its humidity need . check that to bring home the bacon it with medium to burnished collateral light .
Pink Polka Dot Plant
If pink is the spook that light up your day , you could find plants in four - column inch potsavailable from Home Depot .
18. Rex Begonia
Like elephant ear , rex begonia ( Begonia rex cultorum ) are all about dramatic foliage . Also known as paint - foliage , fancy - folio , or king begonias , these plants are attention grabbers .
Related to the more soft - mannered wax begonia , rex begonias have strikingly patterned leafage , range from splotches to volute , in mixes of silver , leafy vegetable , reds , pink , purples , and calamitous .
These houseplant are fairly demanding . They do n’t like wet foot , but postulate a humid surround , so misting with a atomiser bottle will be an important part of your tending subroutine . ensure to give your rex begonia bright but indirect sun .
Rex Begonia
If you ’re quick to create some drama with your indoor leafage , you’re able to find ‘ Fire Woman , ’ a cultivar that sports silvern - immature leaves , in four - inch potsavailable from Hirt ’s Gardens via Amazon .
rule tips on caring for rex begonia plants here .
19. Spiderwort
Spiderwort , a extremity of theTradescantiagenus , is one of my favorite houseplant , period . It ’s a no muss , no fuss option that ’s elegant and so easy topropagate from cuttings . It ’s also know as inch flora .
Its dog foliage comes in various color jazz group , including upstanding green , solid dark-skinned purpleness , striped white and green , bare unripe and purple – or , my favorite , striped unripened and lilac .
Spiderwort is frequently found in hanging baskets , but you could also boast this fast - growing industrial plant in smaller , ornamental tabletop container .
Let the top column inch of the soil dry between lachrymation . Spiderwort will thrive in a motley of indoor illumination conditions , from spiritualist to bright collateral sunlight .
Green and Lilac Spiderwort
you’re able to get your own light-green and lilac dayflower in two - and - a - one-half - inch potsfrom Kauai Garden via Amazon .
Learn more about turn and give care for spiderwort plant here .
20. Succulents
While the terminus succulent does not refer to a specific species , genus , or family , these plants are often sold under this term without much further identification . But that does n’t mean we should pass them up !
Succulents come in a fascinating miscellanea of color , shapes , and size . Some even have beautiful patterns on their leaves .
They are uncommitted in in gorgeous pastels , muffled reds , beautiful blues , bright quicklime Green , and many other hues .
Some of the genera that are normally sold under the more generic terminus “ succulent ” includeSempervivum , Echeveria , andLithops . you may learn more about these fascinating plants in our clause about11 soft to manage for exotic succulents .
Most succulents require full sun , and will do well in bright , southern - facing window . They have scummy water needs than the average houseplant , so are generally lower maintenance .
But that does n’t mean you’re able to leave about them entirely .
To learn more about how to adjoin the particular needs of these xerophytes , see ourgrowing pathfinder .
succulent work especially well for little spaces – you could fill a plantation owner with several different species , create a miniature botanical garden in your aliveness room .
And if you ’re interested in a plantation owner full of succulent that ’s quick to beautify your living space , Succulent Gardens has some delicious options .
Succulent Hexagonal Planter
This succulent hexagon planter , mensurate four inches across and made of rescued wood , is sate with an assortment of succulent – and is available to purchasefrom Succulent Gardens .
21. Ti Plant
By look at it , you ’d never venture which veggie this tropic broadleaf evergreen shrub is related to .
Surprisingly , Cordyline fruticosa , most commonly called “ Ti flora ” or just “ Ti , ” is in the same family as … asparagus !
Native to Southeast Asia , Ti has wide naturalized in Polynesia , and is found in Hawaii , New Zealand , and Easter Island , and other tropic and sub - tropic locations .
In the wild , Ti rise into a small tree or bush , reaching about 10 foot in height , but when originate indoors usually develop no more than three to six substructure tall .
Ti also goes by the figure of “ cabbage ribbon , ” “ dependable hazard plant , ” and “ palm lily . ”
There are many dissimilar Ti cultivar , so foliage shapes depart – some are wide , while others are minute and sword - alike .
Ti leave are oftentimes variegated , and cultivars are available in a range of colouring combination include pinkish , red , burgundy , orange , and dark green to almost black hues .
Ti prefer well - drain dirt that is high in constitutional matter and slightly acidic . To keep foliation colorful , make certain to provide slew of bright , indirect sunlight .
It should be kept systematically moist through the quick season . During winter , give your flora a resting time period with rock-bottom watering .
Ti is from the tropics , so thrives in high humidity – spritz frequently with a spray feeding bottle or set the plant on a disk fulfill with pebbles and pee .
‘ Florica ’ is a stunning cultivar with bright pinkish and grim violent motley leaves .
Cordyline fruticosa‘Florica ’
If you ’d like to welcome this tropical plant into your home plate , you’re able to find plants available in three - Imperial gallon potsat Fast Growing Trees .
22. Variegated Shell Ginger
Variegated shell ginger ( Alpinia zerumbet‘Variegata ’ ) will brighten up your home with its bright atomic number 79 and green variegated leave-taking and its glossy , tropical bloom .
Related to culinary ginger , variegate shield ginger can make 10 metrical unit tall in the correct conditions , though it usually only get hold of about four feet when grown indoors .
If you may offer this ornamental pep shining lightness and a little supererogatory humidness , it will be a showstopper in your home this winter .
Variegated Shell Ginger
Live variegate shell ginger plantsare available at Nature Hills Nursery .
23. Vase Plant
Vase industrial plant ( Aechmea fasciata ) is atype of bromeliad , related to the more diminutiveair plants .
Also called silvern vase plant or urn plant , this bromeliad offers a spectacular flowering shoot up from a variegated , light-green , purple , or pink rosette of parting .
This colorful , mid- to expectant - sized houseplant will add a tropical tactile sensation to your base without taking up too much room . It would look well - placed on a side tabular array or shelf that receive indirect sunlight .
Keep its soil moist but well drained , and keep a small amount of water system in the central loving cup imprint by its stem canker of leaves . After flowering , the industrial plant will pass away , but pups will grow from the root of the female parent plant .
‘ Vase Plant ’
Bare root industrial plant areavailable from Kelly Tropicals via Amazon .
Learn more about turn silverish vase plants here .
A Crazy Shade of Winter
Now you should have an theme of which houseplant will grow well in your conditions and allow for the color combination that will calculate beneficial in your home .
If you need tobrush up on growing and caring for houseplant , be sure to check out these related article next :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right wing RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . to begin with publish December 18 , 2019 . Last updated 9 May 2025 . ware photos via Amazon , Burpee , Eden Brothers , Fast Growing Trees , Hirt ’s Houseplants , Hirt ’s Gardens , Kauai Gardens , Live Trends Design , Nature Hills , Plants by Post , Predatory Plants , Succulent Gardens , Terrian , and Tezula Plants . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock . With additional writing and redaction by Clare Groom and Allison Sidhu .
About
Kristina Hicks - Hamblin
